Description: Atom Run is a classic 2D platformer game for Android that uses a 2D engine with 3D graphics to deliver a more detailed look and feel while paying homage to the golden days of gameplay. In Atom Run, you control Elgo, in the year 2264 where humanity has been wiped out and robots have turned rogue due to radiation exposure. Elgo is the only robot left that can be controlled by humans and it’s up to you to guide him to the atoms and molecules that are needed to build life. Atom Run is all about classic platforming action, with a 2D game engine that has great-looking 3D graphics. The question is though, with so many platformers available for Android, how does Atom Run stack up?
How it Works: First of all, you’ll need to download Atom Run from the Play Store. After that, you’ll be given an introduction into the setting of Atom Run.
After the intro movie, you’re ready to play.
Learning to play the game is fairly easy, as there are only really two controls you need to learn, the left and right buttons as well as the jump button.
Among your adventures, you’ll come across a variety of challenges, like enemy robots and dangers in the environments.
At the end of each level, you’re given a look at how well you did. The timers are difficult to beat, but there’s a nice feeling of accomplishment when you do beat them. You’ll come across more than just obstacles though, as enemy robots can be difficult to avoid, too.
One of my personal favorites when playing was the spin on gravity, as I ended up upside down having to figure out the best way to approach things from a different angle.
The game is free, but it does feature ads that appear between levels and such, but if you want to remove them you can pay for the paid version of Atom Run.
Opinion: While Atom Run does feel like there’s more style to it than substance, but the gameplay is a lot of fun. It mixes together the golden days of platformers past with some nifty obstacles and such to avoid. It’s definitely a lot of fun, but it’s clear that the graphics here are what sell Atom Run, with the 3D look to it bringing everything to life. There’s a clear display of physics as light fittings sway from the ceilings and moving obstacles really feel as if they’re part of the world rather than fixed objects. I had a good time with Atom Run, but it would be nice to see some more complicated gameplay creep in a little earlier in the game, but I’m sure that younger audiences will find very little to complain about in this fun little game.
Ratings
- Speed (4/5) – There were no issues that I came across with Atom Run and I found it to run great on different hardware.
- Features (4/5) – The classic platforming is nice here and the complicated set pieces are also a nice touch, and it’s nice and easy to get into.
- Theme (5/5) – No doubt about it, this is a good-looking game with a detailed backdrop to everything and some excellent music running throughout.
- Overall (4/5) – With a little more complicated gameplay, Atom Run would have a lot more for gamers to get their teeth stuck into, but as it stands this is a fun and very good-looking game to play on a tablet or smartphone.
Pros
- Original soundtrack is nice to listen to and really completes the overall look and feel of the game.
- Works well on both smartphones and tablets.
- 3D graphics are very good-looking and help sell the gameplay.
- Classic platforming action is good here, with some interesting obstacles to work around.
Cons
- Takes a little while for the levels to become challenging.
- Each level can feel fairly similar to the next.
Conclusion: Atom Run is definitely a fun game, it’s just a shame that we’ve played these sort of games before now. The platforming is classic, but it still offers a lot to be desired. Overall though, the 3D graphics and the excellent soundtrack really help deliver an excellent experience that certainly shouldn’t be overlooked. If you’re looking for something classic with a twist, or perhaps a fun new game for your kids, then Atom Run won’t disappoint and if you like what the developers of Atom Run are doing there’s also Multiponk to take a look at.